[conspiracy theory on] I think this is a ploy to quiet down the opposition to the construction of the kaliwa (?) dam that already has chinese funding and contractors

That appears to be what most op ed writers are saying. Even Sec. Domingo is using the water shortage to garner support for the dam. Incidentally the people in the area don't want it. It seems the government of Digong who disdains Imperial Manila will likely use the situation in the capital to garner more support foe it.

Is it as drastic as it is being made out to be?Short term, no. Long term, yes, if it is not addressed.

Is it coincidental that it comes at the same time as the Kaliwa (China) project?Yes and No. It's a useful spin.

Was the turnover of management of water to Maynilad/Manila Water a good idea?No. Look where it has brought us.

Will El Niņo be "full-blown"?Currently, all indicators say no. It will be a short, weak one. But that isn't great news either, because weak ones mean we might not have the water event cyclones we need to add water to the northern dams. Long term , we need new water sources, whether it be dam building, distillation, moisture harvesting, desalination. But these new sources will not address the problems of 2019.

Do I think the water rationing is an over reaction. Yes and no.

Yes because it is drastic and no because it is drastic.

We need to make sure we have enough water to cruise through the next three months, so turning it off now or lowering the pressure is a good idea. But it need not be for such long periods of time.

Best solution, the rich should get out of the city for the summer. Head to the beach, the province, America. Anywhere but the city. Not because that would improve their comfort zone, but to enable the scarce resources go to those who have to stay in the city."

The bulb was 10 feet above a stairway. There is no way to put a chair or even a stool on the steps so I can reach it. A ladder, which I don't have, would have cost more.

I was able to change it 10 years ago risking a fall by stepping on the stairway banister, unscrewing the bulb with one hand while holding on to the banister with the other.

So I bought a light bulb changer kit from Lazada for 2K. It is just a gripper but does not include the pole to stick it at the end. For that, I used a curtain rod of the just right diameter. It cost another 1K for the 3K total.